Family Trees (26 page)

Words could wait. The apologies. Explanations. Fresh starts. For now, he was carried away in a wave of joy that took him out of the downtown art gallery and back to the tranquility of the lake.

“Hey, Ryan—excuse me,” Lance said awkwardly, tapping Ryan on the shoulder before taking a few quick steps back. “Someone from the
Tribune
is here to get a photo?”

Giving Lance little regard, Ryan touched Shelby's chin and tenderly lifted her face back toward his. He didn't care about Lance, the newspaper, or anyone who might overhear him. “Shelby Meyers, if you'll let me, I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.”

“Uh, Ryan?” Lance stepped in to interrupt again, anxiously tapping a scrolled-up pamphlet against his thigh. “Hate to break this up, but . . . the newspaper?”

“Hang on, Lance,” Ryan said with a broad smile that matched Shelby's. “I still have some unfinished business with Ms. Bucket.” With Shelby wrapped safely in Ryan's arms, he expressed his love with one more kiss. And there, surrounded by images of her home and his hopes, Ryan embraced his inspiration.

Publishing my first novel is a dream that simply would not have come true without the support of so many people....

Joëlle Delbourgo, my literary agent, who opened the world of publishing to me. I'm grateful for your kindness, expertise, and unwavering support.

Martin Biro, my editor, for your enthusiasm for my work and your insightful feedback that has helped strengthen
Family Trees
.

The talented team at Kensington Publishing for everything you have done behind the scenes to help launch this novel.

Anne Greenwood Brown, for sharing your advice, encouragement, and laughter as I pursued each milestone on the way to publication.

Sarah Comber, Beth Djalali, Angela Johnson, and Sarah Quickel, for reading those early drafts and giving your thoughtful input.

My former English teachers, for sharing their love of literature and encouraging me to find my writing voice, especially Marcia Aubineau and Olivia Frey.

The Midwest Writers Group, whose critique session early in this process gave me just the boost I needed.

The Erickson family, whose Bayfield orchard I have enjoyed for years and which served as the inspiration for Meyers Orchard. Thank you for the advice (and the apple cider doughnuts!).

My wonderful circle of friends, who have tirelessly listened to my stories of writing highs and lows as we met over coffee, walks, and dinner parties that lasted well into the evening.
Cheers!

Most importantly, to those on my own family tree . . .

My husband, David, for believing I could become an author long before I believed it myself. As always, your love inspires me and your support makes everything possible.

My children, Logan, Ethan, and Kate, for filling my life with joy. The three of you make me laugh and love like no one else.

My parents, Mary and Lars Carlson, for sharing your love of Lake Superior, always encouraging my storytelling ways, providing endless support, and for being as excited about this novel as I am.

My brother and sister-in-law, Erik and Libby Carlson, for reviewing drafts and cheering me on from the South.

My grandmother, Elizabeth Biorn, for your smile and grace, and for the advice you wrote along the margins of my manuscript.

Laurel March, Clyde and Debi March, and my extended family, for your incredible support.

Teddy, for keeping my feet warm while I worked. Good dog.

And finally, thanks to
you,
the reader, for picking up this novel by a new author. I hope you enjoy reading Ryan and Shelby's story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

 

—Kerstin

After graduating from St. Olaf College,
Kerstin March
built a career around writing. During her start as a small-town newspaper reporter, and as a public relations professional later on, she always enjoyed bringing out the personal side of news stories. Kerstin lives in Minnesota with her husband and their three children. When her family isn't scrambling with work, school, and errands, they can often be found up north, braving ice-cold swims, fish boils, and bear scares on Lake Superior's shore.
Family Trees
is her first novel. For more information, please visit
www.kerstinmarch.com
.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

 

KENSINGTON BOOKS are published by

 

Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018

 

Copyright © 2015 by Kerstin E. March

 

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

 

Kensington and the K logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

 

eISBN-13: 978-1-61773-525-7
eISBN-10: 1-61773-525-6
First Kensington Electronic Edition: June 2015

ISBN: 978-1-6177-3524-0

ISBN-10: 1-61773-524-8
First Kensington Trade Paperback Printing: June 2015